Senator Christopher “Bong” Go proved this past week that public service goes far beyond legislation, extending his signature Malasakit brand of care from hospital corridors to remote barangays.

From 1 to 8 August, his Palugaw ni Mr. Malasakit feeding initiative reached thousands of patients, frontliners, and caregivers in public hospitals across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Warm bowls of rice porridge were served at facilities such as Bulacan Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina, and Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital — a gesture Go says is about more than just food.

“Sa panahong ang pamilya ay may iniintinding karamdaman, kahit simpleng lugaw ay napakalaking bagay. Ang pagkain ay isa sa pinaka-basic na pangangailangan, at dapat hindi ito maging alalahanin pa sa ospital,” he said.

The senator, dubbed “Mr. Malasakit,” underscored that such acts complement his broader health agenda as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, which includes strengthening Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers.

That commitment was also on display on 9 August, when Go visited the site of a Super Health Center in Lingig, Surigao del Sur — one of four planned for the province and part of over 700 being built nationwide. The facilities are designed to provide primary care, consultations, and early disease detection closer to underserved communities.

“Hindi po lahat may kakayahan o oras na bumiyahe nang malayo para magpatingin. Kung mas malapit po ang serbisyong medikal, mas marami ang mapipigilan na lumala ang sakit at mas marami ang mabibigyan ng pag-asa,” Go stressed.

During his Lingig visit, Go and his Malasakit Team also handed out grocery packs, shirts, and sports balls to barangay health workers — the “first responders” in community healthcare. “Sila po ang unang sumasalo sa ating mga kababayan kapag may problema sa kalusugan, kaya marapat lamang na suportahan natin sila,” he said.

Go is also pushing Senate Bill No. 412, the proposed Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers, to secure tenure, benefits, and compensation for these vital frontliners.

He thanked local officials led by Governor Johnny Pimentel, Congressman Alexander Pimentel, and Lingig Mayor Elmer Boyet Evangelio for supporting health projects, and urged residents to make use of Malasakit Centers at Bislig District Hospital, Lianga District Hospital, and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center.

Institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, Malasakit Centers have assisted over 17 million Filipinos in reducing hospital costs.

“Magmalasakit tayo sa isa’t isa — dahil sa malasakit, gumagaan ang laban,” Go said, vowing to keep “showing up” for Filipinos, whether through warm bowls of lugaw or the bricks and mortar of rural health facilities.